EPA Orders Emission Cutbacks For Off-road Diesels

      The Environmental Protection Agency issued new rules designed to cut emissions from off-road diesel engines, used in construction equipment and farm tractors.
      This rule complements the one covering truck engines, in that it requires reductions in emissions and in the sulfur content of fuel.
      Standards for new engines, covering both oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), will be phased in, starting with the smallest engines in 2008. Most engines will be covered by 2014, although those over 750 horsepower will have until 2015. The rule will cut emissions by 90% over the next six years, EPA said.
      In addition, the rule calls for sulfur cutbacks from the current 3,000 parts per million to 500 ppm in 2007 and 15 ppm by 2010.
      It will take 26 years to clear older engines from the national inventory. At that point, the benefits will amount to 12,000 fewer premature deaths, one million fewer lost work days and 15,000 fewer heart attacks each year, EPA said. Costs will vary from 1% to 3% of the engine's purchase price, the agency said.

—Oliver B. Patton, Washington Editor

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